Queensland builder-developer MAYD has revealed the first look at its major North Kirra beachfront development, lodging amended plans that reduce the number of apartments and increase the proportion of larger residences.

The project is planned across a substantial 4,742 sqm amalgamated site spanning seven lots at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/2-6-pacific-parade-bilinga-qld-4225">2-6 Pacific Parade</a> and 27-33 Golden Four Drive in Bilin​ga, directly opposite Nor​th Kirra Beach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mayd-group">MAYD</a> secured the site for $32.5 million in 2025, in what was one of the Gold Coast's largest property transactions of the year.

The development will be delivered across two stages, with the first stage carrying an estimated gross realisation value of around $360 million.

The latest amendments seek to reduce the overall apartment count and shift the project further toward the owner-occupier market, with larger residences designed for buyers wanting considerably more space than traditionally offered in a beachfront apartment.

The residential mix will include townhomes, oversized two-bedroom apartments, substantial three-bedroom residences and four-bedroom homes.

MAYD has appointed Cera Stribley to lead the architecture and interiors, with the Melbourne-based design practice drawing on the beachfront setting through a series of ocean-facing terraces and heavily landscaped balconies.

Strong horizontal forms and curved balconies will define the exterior, with subtropical landscaping integrated throughout the building to soften the built form and increase the connection between the residences and the beachfront.

The project will also include an extensive collection of resident wellness and lifestyle facilities, continuing the broader shift across the Gold Coast's luxury apartment market toward larger homes supported by resort-style amenity.

<img alt="MAYD" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1bcbb05-e659-4b47-8bd4-1e595315e2ad" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%202.05.03%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=jj0XEud1X1DuLt7_KyElhjMdZGOXmLHP" />

MAYD Founder Todd Mould said North Kirra was increasingly appealing to buyers attracted to the more established, lower-density character of the southern Gold Coast.

"North Kirra presents one of the most compelling luxury residential opportunities currently emerging in Australia, combining absolute beachfront with the character and authenticity that buyers are increasingly seeking, and the same sense of tight-knit community that defined Burleigh and Currumbin perhaps 10 or 15 years ago," Mould said.

"With Gold Coast Airport on its doorstep, it also offers a level of accessibility that broadens its appeal across almost every market demographic."

The project comes as the southern Gold Coast continues to attract an increasing share of high-end apartment development and buyer activity.

Kirra in particular has emerged as one of the region's more tightly held beachfront markets, with its relatively low-density character, established surf and hospitality scene and proximity to Gold Coast Airport differentiating it from the higher-density markets further north.

Mould said those characteristics had informed the approach MAYD and Cera Stribley had taken to the project.

"We've worked closely with Cera Stribley to create a vision that is deeply connected to its surroundings," he said.

"Inspired by the coastline itself, the architecture has been shaped around space, privacy and resort-style living, creating a collection of homes that reflects the next generation of luxury on the southern Gold Coast."

MOTIV Managing Director Carly Cottam, who has been appointed to market the project, said buyer attention had continued to move south along the Gold Coast.

"Purchasers who may once have defaulted to Broadbeach, Main Beach or Surfers Paradise are increasingly recognising the value of a genuine beachfront location that offers lower density, strong amenity and a more established sense of community," Cottam said.

"Kirra has a powerful combination of growing demand and genuine scarcity. Beachfront supply is inherently constrained, the area remains relatively low density, and buyers are increasingly placing a premium on locations that feel established, uncrowded and authentic rather than heavily developed."

Cottam said the proximity to Gold Coast Airport was also proving increasingly important for interstate and second-home buyers.

"Being minutes from Gold Coast Airport makes it particularly compelling for interstate buyers, frequent travellers and second-home purchasers who can access an authentic coastal lifestyle almost immediately after stepping off a flight."

The acquisition takes MAYD's active development portfolio to more than $500 million, with the North Kirra project representing one of its largest undertakings to date.

MAYD is targeting an early 2027 launch.

Joel Robinson

First look at MAYD's North Kirra mixed-use precinct

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Castle Hill, the longtime hub of the Hills District, has been one of the major beneficiaries of Sydney's Metro expansion, with improved connectivity helping drive continued population growth, development and buyer demand across the Hills District.

But despite that growth, the suburb has seen relatively few major new apartment projects brought to market over the past 18 months.

Hills District developer Reve Group is looking to fill that gap with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nova-r-ve-castle-hill-2-garthowen-crescent-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Nova Rêve</a>, a major new mixed-use precinct on the corner of Garthowen Crescent and Old Castle Hill Road, a short walk from Castle Hill Metro Station and Castle Towers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377679]

The project will comprise three residential towers alongside a hotel, restaurants, cafes and a skybar, more than 1,600 sqm of ground-floor retail and almost an acre of landscaped gardens.

It represents the largest project undertaken by Reve Group, the development arm of the Kassis family, which has been building across the Hills District for more than 30 years through Kassis Homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377675]

Nova Rêve also represents a significant step up from the family's first apartment development, Grand Rêve, which was delivered nearby on Garthowen Crescent.

Grand Rêve introduced larger, house-like apartment layouts and premium inclusions including Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances to the Castle Hill market.

Nova Rêve takes that approach to a precinct scale, combining the residential component with hospitality, retail and substantial public and resident landscaping.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377685]

Reve Group Managing Director Sam Kassis said the project reflected the family's three decades of building in the Hills, which has evolved from trophy homes on quarter-acre blocks to larger-scale apartment development.

"Grand Rêve was our first apartment project here and it showed us what this pocket of Castle Hill could be. Nova Rêve is the refinement of that idea: not just apartments, but a place the whole suburb can use," Kassis said.

A key part of that approach is the hotel, which has been designed to operate as an amenity for the wider Castle Hill community rather than solely hotel guests.

It will include restaurants, cafes, skybars and all-day dining, alongside conference and event facilities catering to business functions, community groups and private events.

At ground level, more than 1,600 sqm of shops and cafes will open onto the surrounding streets and landscaped areas.

Almost an acre of gardens designed by Land and Form Studios will run through the precinct, incorporating pathways, seating, barbecue areas and children's play spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377680]

Reve Group's Romio Georges said creating an active ground plane had been central to the planning of Nova Rêve.

"There are gardens with pathways, barbecues, seating and play areas, shops and cafes opening onto the street, and a hotel with restaurants and a skybar that anyone in Castle Hill can walk into," Georges said.

The project's elevated position on one of Sydney's highest ridgelines will also provide apartments with outlooks toward the Sydney skyline, surrounding parkland and the Blue Mountains.

More than 80 per cent of the apartments will occupy corner positions, with Turner responsible for both the architecture and interiors.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152737]

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Nova Rêve arrives as Reve Group bets on Castle Hill's next growth phase

A collection of just 25 large-format apartments and penthouses overlooking Goodwin Park is entering the Coolangatta market, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marea-residences-coolangatta-27-27a-dixon-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Maréa Residences</a> combining a low-density, residential-only approach with uninterrupted park and Pacific Ocean outlooks.

Located at 27 Dixon Street, Maréa comprises three and four-bedroom residences alongside a limited number of dual-level penthouses, with the project positioned between Goodwin Park and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/coolangatta-qld-4225">Coolangatta</a>’s coastal precinct.

Construction has commenced, with completion currently estimated for late 2027. Three-bedroom residences are priced from $1.8 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374005]

The project has been designed around its northern outlook across the park, with the building’s architecture, landscaping and material palette intended to establish a connection with the neighbouring green space. The residences have been configured to maximise natural light and views across Goodwin Park towards the ocean.

Inside, the material palette incorporates timber, stone and brushed brass, complemented by curved detailing and ambient lighting. Kitchens and bathrooms carry the same natural material approach, while residences also include basement parking, storage and lift access.

Maréa’s penthouses are arranged over two levels and include private pools, adding another layer to the project’s focus on larger-format apartment living. Across the development, residences are configured with three or four bedrooms rather than the broader mix of smaller apartment types commonly found in larger projects.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374010]

Resident amenity is concentrated at rooftop level, where landscaped entertaining terraces and pools take advantage of elevated views across Coolangatta and the Pacific Ocean.

The project has so far been particularly well received by local owner-occupiers and downsizers, according to Urban Activation Property Sales and Marketing Director Matt George, with the residential-only format, construction quality and northern park outlook among the features resonating with purchasers.

“The uninterrupted northern aspect overlooking Goodwin Park has been a key point of difference, with buyers attracted to the sense of serenity and open space the park provides, while still enjoying easy access to the ocean and being within walking distance of the lifestyle and amenities Coolangatta has to offer,” George said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374002]

“The combination of high-quality construction, a residential-only building, park outlook and proximity to the beach has resonated strongly with the local downsizer market.”

The Dixon Street address is within walking distance of Coolangatta Beach and the broader southern Gold Coast coastline, including the surf breaks at Snapper Rocks and Kirra. Coolangatta’s cafés, restaurants and retail are nearby, while Gold Coast Airport is also within close proximity.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150999]

Maréa Residences brings parkside apartments to Coolangatta

Melbourne developer PDG has secured Victorian Government approval for its $1.5 billion Southbank development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-one-1-queens-bridge-street-southbank-vic-3006">The One</a>, clearing the way for the long-dormant riverfront site opposite Crown to finally be developed.

The Minister for Planning has approved the project at 1-29 Queens Bridge Street, with the Department of Transport and Planning issuing the planning permit following its assessment.

The approval will allow PDG to develop the prominent 5,059 sqm site with a major mixed-use tower comprising premium apartments, including branded residences, a luxury hotel and boutique office space.

PDG acquired the site in late 2024, with its position directly opposite Crown's main entrance and near Melbourne's Arts Precinct making it one of Southbank's most significant remaining development opportunities.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3933013e-6332-4386-b9be-089df05caf17" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.22%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sITIgBqDL0N3VNSMwWEmF5UA.uvcsRyu" />

Designed by COX in collaboration with ODO and PDG, the tower's architecture draws on the movement of the Yarra River, with six vertical pleats running the height of the sculpted facade.

The project will also see the heritage-listed Queens Bridge Hotel restored and incorporated into the development&nbsp;with new hospitality and public uses, including a rooftop venue.

A significant component of The One will be its residential amenity.

More than 5,000 sqm of resident facilities will be delivered across a single level, making it one of the largest consolidated residential amenity offerings proposed in an Australian apartment development.

The planning approval also incorporates a major upgrade of Queensbridge Square, which PDG will deliver in partnership with the City of Melbourne.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="73167fcd-1031-4b6f-a408-a064cfe45ed1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.17%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Pf1AEWxw6SNmBqR0zQW5lyEze.MtxgFp" />

The existing square will be revitalised as a new civic and pedestrian space along the Yarra River, strengthening the connection between the project, Southbank and the riverfront.

PDG Founder and Managing Director Vince Giuliano said the approval represented a major milestone for a site which has remained largely underutilised for more than 15 years.

“This is the most significant Planning Permit approval Melbourne has seen in recent years,” Giuliano said.

“For more than 15 years, this site has remained underutilised. This approval enables us to deliver a project that will contribute meaningfully to the revitalisation of Southbank, restore and reactivate an important heritage building, and create a new civic and hospitality destination for Melbourne.”

The latest approval follows an earlier planning permit issued by the City of Melbourne covering demolition works across part of the site at 9-29 Queens Bridge Street. Those demolition and early works are already underway.

PDG has also started generating early interest in the residential component from owner-occupiers ahead of a planned public launch in early 2027.

PDG secures approval for $1.5bn Southbank apartment development, The One

Local developer Harridan is seeking to turn its Woolloongabba apartment project into the first stage of a broader transformation of Burke Street, using a new 16-storey mixed-use building to establish a greener pedestrian connection toward the rapidly evolving Boggo Road transport and knowledge precinct.

The South East Queensland developer has filed plans for 154 apartments on the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/4-burke-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">southern side of Burke Street</a>, where its proposal has been designed alongside a wider vision by LatStudios for the street.

That vision positions the southern side of Burke Street for buildings of 15 storeys and above, while envisaging lower-rise development of up to five storeys on the northern side to transition into Woolloongabba's existing character housing. It also proposes wider pedestrian verges, deep planting, new street trees and upgrades to the pedestrian approach to Boggo Road Station.

The Harridan development itself has been designed by Brisbane-based Arqus Design and will comprise 154 apartments across 16 storeys. The mix is weighted heavily toward two-bedroom apartments, with 121 proposed alongside 10 one-bedroom and 23 three-bedroom residences. There will typically be around 14 units per floor.

A lower-ground car park and three podium levels will accommodate 156 resident parking spaces, along with visitor and commercial parking. There will also be 154 resident bicycle spaces and 40 visitor bicycle parks.

&nbsp;

Harridan is a family-owned developer and part of the Holmwood Highgate Group, with more than three decades of development activity across South East Queensland. Its portfolio spans residential, commercial and industrial property, with current residential projects including Riverbank on Byron in Bulimba, Esperance Residences in Carina and The Precinct at Kinross Road in Thornlands.

Wooloongabba has been popular for apartment developers, particularly since the announcement of the 2032 Summer Olympics games in Brisbane.

While there have been a lot of development applications, it has failed to materialize into real supply.&nbsp;

Sarazin has been the major player in the area. They are under construction at Murcia Residences, on the fringe of East Brisbane and Woolloongabba. They have just launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-stanley-residences-woolloongabba-8-trafalgar-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">The Stanley Residences</a>, in Woolloongabba on Trafalagar Street. They also have Nuage coming soon on the nearby <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nuage-woolloongabba-14-wellington-road-woolloongabba-qld-4102">Wellington Road</a>.

First look: Harridan plans Burke Street transformation beside Boggo Road transport hub

Interest Rates

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Variable home loan rates continue to drop with Freedom Lend today, the new leader in the mortgage rate wars, according to RateCity.com.au data.
The online lender is now offering a new record-low variable rate of 2.17 per cent, for new customers with a deposit of 30 per cent of more.
Home loan rates have continued to drop despite no official change to the cash rate.
Analysis of the RateCity.com.au data base shows his month alone, 15 lenders have cut more than 50 variable home loan rates for new customers.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/6/25/Lowest%20rates.JPG" alt="">
RateCity.com.au research director Sally Tindall said, “The fight is on between the non-bank lenders to have the lowest variable rate in Australia.”
“Over the last couple of months, smaller providers have had to chip away at their rates in order stay ahead of the big banks."
“Just three months ago, the lowest variable rate was 2.44 per cent. Since then it has dropped 27 basis points."
“With the number of new home loans on the decline, lenders desperately need new business so they’re looking to refinancers to make up the difference."
“The recent increase in refinancing activity suggests rock bottom rates are prompting people to switch to take advantage of the relentless market competition,” she said.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Australia’s lowest variable interest rate reaches 2.17%

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From tomorrow ING will be increasing its fixed rate home loans for owner occupiers by up to 0.20% and for investors by up to 0.40%.
ING is one of only three lenders on Canstar's 100+ lender database to increase fixed rates in June.
These changes will see ING’s former market leading 2-year Orange Advantage Residential fixed rate of 2.09% drop out of the top 3 lowest 2-year fixed rates, with the interest rate now sitting at 2.19% (comparison rate 3.79%).  <img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/6/18/ING%201.JPG" alt="">
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/6/18/ING%202.JPG" alt="">Canstar’s finance expert, Steve Mickenbecker said, "ING has surprised the home loan market by increasing its fixed housing loan rates from Friday."
"ING’s fixed rate increases come after recent fixed rate cuts from major banks that have been fueled by low wholesale funding costs."
"For owner occupiers the increases range from 0.05% to 0.20%, but for investors they are as high as 0.40%, suggesting the bank is reviewing its appetite for housing risk."
"ING’s 2-year fixed rate for owner occupiers remains amongst the market leaders, but they have relinquished their lowest price position."
"Fixed rates continue to be at the sharpest priced end of the market with rates as low as 2.09%."
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ING goes against the grain increasing fixed interest rates

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On the eve of a Reserve Bank cash rate announcement expected to reveal no change, HSBC has cut its 2-year fixed rate to match the lowest in the market.”
The lowest home loans in the market are now offered by the subsidiaries of two global giants, HSBC and ING.
Fixed rates have become the competitive instrument of choice by the banks as they jostle for their share of quality business. 2-year fixed rates were cut by an average of -0.39% in May.
Canstar’s finance expert, Steve Mickenbecker said, “through their sharp pricing, HSBC and ING are again confirming their appetite for home lending in the Australian market, having lifted share by 0.20% and 0.08% respectively over the past 12 months."
“We’ll see what Tuesday brings from the Reserve Bank, but one thing we can be sure of is the robust competition for home lending."
“The gap between the average variable rate of 3.47% and the lowest two year fixed rate of 2.09% has blown out to 1.38%, a compelling refinancing argument for Australian home borrowers.”
Summary of HSBC rate changes:
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/7/1/HSBC%20changes.JPG" alt="">
HSBC has cut 2 and 3-year fixed rates by between -0.06% and -0.16% for owner occupiers paying principal and interest.
The lender also cut its Premier Standard Variable Rate by -0.05%.
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HSBC cuts fixed rates to match lowest on market

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GUEST OBSERVATION
Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr famously observed in 1927 that “taxes are what we pay for civilised society, <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/http://www.worldlii.org/us/cases/federal/USSC/1927/178">including the chance to insure</a>”.
Whilst tax as a price for civilised society is well understood, less appreciated is the second part of his observation – that tax provides a chance to insure against a crisis.
As nations emerge from the COVID-19 crisis with policies unthinkable just six months ago, and associated debts previously unimaginable, it is becoming clear that while some were well insured and able to respond rapidly, most were underinsured, exposing their civilisations to previously unthinkable risks.
In many ways Australia is an exemplar in its use of taxation to provide the “chance to insure”. It funds Medicare; the Pharmaceuticals Benefit Scheme; the Higher Education Loan Program; the Superannuation Guarantee Charge and contingency-based welfare payments.
COVID has exposed the weakness in our system
COVID-19 has exposed how underinsured Australia is in other ways. It will have to borrow heavily to protect the economy, but for many years won’t be able to impose the extra taxes that will be needed to pay down the debt.
Introducing new taxes or increasing existing tax rates would threaten what will be a fragile recovery.
The only realistic option is to review what Australia gives away, such as <a href="https://treasury.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-01/complete_tbvs_web.pdf">tax concessions,</a> and what it fails to collect, as measured by the so-called <a href="https://www.ato.gov.au/About-ATO/Research-and-statistics/In-detail/Tax-gap/Australian-tax-gaps-overview/">tax gap</a>.
The tax gap is the difference between the amount the Tax Office collects and what we would have collected if every taxpayer was fully compliant with tax law.
In 2016-17, the Commonwealth raised <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/5506.0">A$389 billion</a> in taxes, intentionally gave away an estimated <a href="https://treasury.gov.au/publication/p2019-357183">$166 billion</a> and unintentionally failed to collect a further <a href="https://www.ato.gov.au/About-ATO/Research-and-statistics/In-detail/Tax-gap/Australian-tax-gaps-overview/?anchor=Summaryfindings#Summaryfindings">$30-35 billion</a> that the Tax Office knows of.
Mapping out a pathway to winding back government debt and funding programs to better insure our civilised society has to begin with ensuring those who are not currently carrying their fair share of the legislated tax burden do so through reforms to reduce non-compliance.
Many of us aren’t paying the tax we should
The Tax Office conservatively estimates that non-compliance for the taxes it has so far examined is equivalent to more than <a href="https://www.ato.gov.au/About-ATO/Research-and-statistics/In-detail/Tax-gap/Australian-tax-gaps-overview/?anchor=Summaryfindings#Summaryfindings">8%</a> of the tax revenue it collected in 2015-16.
The Treasury also estimates that tax concessions in 2017-18 were equivalent to <a href="https://treasury.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-01/complete_tbvs_web.pdf">41%</a> of Commonwealth government revenue, or more than 9% of GDP (although it cautions against adding estimates together as reducing one concession can affect the use of others).
Given the scale of the Commonwealth response to COVID-19, the government will need additional tax revenues of around 2.5% of GDP (about $50 billion) for some years.
This should not prove insurmountable. In comparison with other advanced economies, Australia is a relative low taxer with a total tax burden of 28.6% of GDP in 2017-18, well below the OECD average of about 34.5%.
There’s revenue going begging
The tax gap estimates show billions can be raised from integrity measures such as addressing overclaimed work-related expenses ($3 billion), unreported cash wages ($1 billion) unreported rental property net income ($2 billion) and unreported business income ($2-3 billion).
There’s much more available from reducing tax concessions, removing the personal tax-free threshold, winding back retirement savings concessions, and broadening the goods and service tax (especially from fully taxing the food that is already partially taxed).
Lower income groups affected by the changes should be compensated by improved targeting of expenditure programs.
Right now we’ve a near-universal welfare system and a targeted tax system.
The way out of our present problems is to make the tax system more universal and the welfare system more targeted.
New taxes and higher rates should be resisted, especially if made more palatable by more concessions.
What we are proposing would not only result in a tax system that was simpler and harder to escape – but one that was capable of funding the insurance we will need to preserve our society into the future
There’s no reason to think there won’t be another pandemic exposing the weaknesses in our tax system that remain.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/137232/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;">
<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/neil-warren-278638">Neil Warren</a>, Emeritus Professor of Taxation, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-1414">UNSW</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/richard-highfield-1049892">Richard Highfield</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-1414">UNSW</a>
This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/post-coronavirus-well-need-a-working-tax-system-not-more-taxes-and-not-higher-rates-137232">original article</a>.
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Post-coronavirus, we'll need a working tax system, not more taxes and higher rates

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Only two out of the 42 economists who participated in Finder’s RBA Cash Rate Survey are expecting the RBA to cut the cash rate on Tuesday.
Alison Booth of ANU and Nicholas Frappell of ABC Bullion both expect the cash rate to hit 0% this week due to the state of the economy.
“With effective cash rates at around 0.15%, another reduction may just formalise the current effective rate scenario,” Frappell said.
As for when the cash rate will next move, experts were flummoxed.
Twenty-one respondents indicated an eventual rise, but could not point to any particular time in the next three years.
Interestingly, ten other economists selected both a potential rise and cut in the future indicating that the next actions of the RBA really do remain uncertain.
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95% of experts say cash rate will hold at 0.25%: Finder.com.au

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Maintaining profit margins was the central consideration of the big-four banks when they failed to reduce mortgage rates in line with RBA cash rate cuts during 2019, the ACCC have said.
The ACCC’s Home Loan Price Inquiry interim report shows that the big four banks considered various factors as they decided whether to pass on the RBA’s June, July, and October rate cuts last year.
Recovering profits, however, was central to their decisions to not always fully pass through the lower rates to mortgage customers.
When the RBA cut rates in October, ANZ cut rates by 0.14%, Commonwealth Bank by 0.13%, NAB by 0.15%, and Westpac by 0.15% - all well below the full 0.25% mark.
Following the failure to meet RBA cuts, non-bank lenders roughly doubled their share in the market.
“The banks were attempting to shore up their profitability during a period of low interest rates,” ACCC chair Rod Sims said.
“It was their strong preference, after the RBA’s cuts, not to further reduce the rates customers were earning on some deposit products as they approached zero per cent.”
“The banks’ reluctance to cut these deposit rates led them to anticipate lower profits, which they aimed to recover by not always fully passing through cash rate cuts to their mortgage customers,” Mr Sims said.
The ACCC’s analysis also found that the big four banks benefitted in 2019 from a sustained decrease in their funding costs.
While headline rates for owner-occupier home loans with principal and interest repayments fell overall during 2018 and 2019, the banks’ funding costs fell even more over the same period.
“We recognise that much has changed in the economic and funding environment since last year. The COVID-19 pandemic has shifted priorities and the banks are playing an important role in supporting the economy,” Mr Sims said.
“However, the inquiry findings shed an important light on bank decision making and raise questions about whether the banks could, at the time, have passed on a higher proportion of those RBA cash rate cuts to their mortgage customers.”
The ACCC’s Home Loan Price Inquiry interim report also shows that, although average interest rates charged by the big four banks on home loans fell during 2019, a lack of price transparency and higher interest rates for existing loans continued to cost customers.
The interim report examines home loan prices charged by the big four banks between 1 January 2019 and 31 October 2019.
It found that home loan pricing practices continue to make it difficult for consumers to compare different mortgage products.
Headline rates did not accurately reflect the price most big four bank customers actually paid for their home loans, because the overwhelming majority of customers received discounts (including opaque discretionary discounts).
“Given the economic disruption, uncertainty and job losses stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, many consumers may not be inclined to shop around and ask for discounts from their banks right now,” Mr Sims continued.
“However, our analysis shows how that even a small further reduction in interest rates could potentially save thousands of dollars over the life of a mortgage. Consumers should consider this carefully when it is time to re-engage with their lender.”
For example, a customer with an average-sized new, owner-occupier, principal and interest mortgage of $386,000 could save about $5000 on interest payments in the first year if they went from having no discount to receiving the big four banks’ average discount of 128 basis points.
At the end of September, customers with new owner-occupier loans with principal and interest repayments were paying, on average, 26 basis points less than customers with existing loans. The difference was usually even more significant for customers with older loans.
The ACCC’s final report, scheduled for release later this year, will consider the barriers to consumers switching to alternative home loan suppliers.
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Maintaining profit margins was central to big four banks' interest rate cut decisions: ACCC

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At its meeting today, the Board reaffirmed the targets for the cash rate and the yield on 3-year Australian government bonds of 25 basis points, as well as the other elements of the package announced on 19 March 2020.
The coronavirus remains first and foremost a very major public health issue, but it is also having very significant effects on economies and financial systems around the world. Many countries are expected to experience large economic contractions as a consequence of the public health response. Large increases in unemployment are also expected. Once the virus is contained, a recovery in the global economy is expected, with the recovery supported by both the large fiscal packages and the significant easing in monetary policy that has taken place.
Financial market volatility has been historically high and many markets around the world have been dislocated. There are, however, some signs that markets are working more effectively than they were a few weeks ago. This improvement partly reflects the substantial measures undertaken by central banks.
In Australia, the yield on 3-year Australian Government bonds is now around the target level set by the Board and the functioning of the government bond markets has improved. The Bank will do what is necessary to achieve the 3-year yield target, with the target expected to remain in place until progress is being made towards the goals for full employment and inflation. Since this target was introduced, the Bank has bought around $36 billion of government bonds in secondary markets, including bonds issued by the states and territories. The Bank will continue to promote the smooth functioning of these important markets. If conditions continue to improve, though, it is likely that smaller and less frequent purchases of government bonds will be required.
The Bank has injected substantial liquidity into the financial system through its daily open market operations to support credit and maintain low funding costs in the economy. It will continue to ensure that the financial system has sufficient liquidity. Given the substantial liquidity that is already in the system and the commencement of the Term Funding Facility, the daily open market operations are likely to be on a smaller scale in the near term. Operations at longer terms will continue, but the frequency of these operations will be adjusted as necessary according to market conditions.
The first drawings under the Term Funding Facility were made yesterday. This facility will help lower funding costs across the banking system and provides an incentive for lenders to support credit to businesses, especially small and medium-sized businesses. Authorised deposit-taking institutions have access to at least $90 billion in funding under this facility.
There is considerable uncertainty about the near-term outlook for the Australian economy. Much will depend on the success of the efforts to contain the virus and how long the social distancing measures need to remain in place. A very large economic contraction is, however, expected to be recorded in the June quarter and the unemployment rate is expected to increase to its highest level for many years.
The coordinated monetary and fiscal response, together with complementary measures taken by Australia's banks, will soften the expected contraction and help ensure that the economy is well placed to recover once the health crisis has passed and restrictions are removed. These various responses are providing considerable support to Australian households and businesses through what is a very difficult period. The Australian financial system is resilient. It is well capitalised and in a strong liquidity position, with these financial buffers available to be drawn down if required to support the economy.
The Board is committed to doing what it can to support jobs, incomes and businesses as Australia deals with the coronavirus. The comprehensive policy package announced last month will also support the expected recovery. The Board will not increase the cash rate target until progress is being made towards full employment and it is confident that inflation will be sustainably within the 2–3 per cent target band.
The Board wishes the best to all Australians as our country deals with this very difficult situation.
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No change amid uncertainty: RBA Governor Philip Lowe's April 2020 statement

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The RBA have kept the cash rate on hold at a record low 0.25 per cent at its April meeting.
Mortgage Choice chief executive officer, Susan Mitchell said ttoday’s decision came as no surprise, given the RBA had explicitly ruled out going into negative interest rate territory in the minutes of its special meeting.
 “A cash rate so close to zero is unlikely to have much impact on market rates," she said.
"Going forward, the Reserve Bank will look to monitor the impact of its unconventional monetary policy measures before resorting to cutting the cash rate again.  “While there isn’t much room for home loan interest rates to fall further, a sustained period of low interest rates will support households and businesses alike as they weather the COVID-19 induced storm. Home loan interest rates are sitting at record lows and this is particularly the case with fixed rate home loan interest rates, which are extremely competitive at present. With lenders advertising fixed rates in the low “2”s, now might be a good time to lock in a low rate,” said Ms Mitchell. “The property market will be tested in the coming months, much like many other parts of the economy. While the latest CoreLogic Hedonic Home Value Index revealed that dwelling values continued to rise in March, up 0.7% nationally, it was the lowest monthly gain since the market turned in July last year. “The outlook for dwelling values is uncertain and only time will tell how a contraction in economic activity will impact dwelling values but it’s fair to say that social distancing measures will likely dampen demand in the medium-term,” concluded Ms Mitchell.
CoreLogic's head of research Eliza Owen says the record-low rate may be in place for years to come.
"No doubt the RBA will be closely monitoring the impact of record low interest rates and other stimulus measures on the economy", Owen said. 
"To date, the policy announcements from the RBA and other sectors of government have been well received with the overall level of stimulus now getting close to 17% of Australian GDP." 
Owen says housing market activity is "clearly slowing amid high uncertainty.
"It seems as if monetary and fiscal stimulus has been coordinated so as not to add excessive demand for housing.
"Under normal conditions, such a low interest rate setting would be stimulatory for housing markets, however with confidence plunging amidst an economic slowdown, we are expecting both buyer and seller activity will fall sharply over the coming months.
 
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RBA holds rates in April after emergency double cut in March

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The NAB will allow borrowers to pause mortgage repayments for up to six months, it announced this morning.
NAB will also cut 200bps from rate on new loans as well as reductions of up to 60bps on fixed rate home loans.
The other three of the big four banks have yet to reveal any response to alleviate mortgage repayment obligations for residential home loan borrowers.
It is predicted the banks will allow existing loan payments at principle and interest to be lowered by swinging borrowers over to interest only loans.
The move would require regularly approvals since there have been limits on IO lending for several years.
The banks have though, it seems almost entirely, decided not to cut home loans rates following the RBA emergency decision.
Of the big four only ANZ cut variable home loan rates, they were reduced 0.15 basis points.
Australian Banking Association CEO Anna Bligh today announced a small business relief package from Australia's banks.
Australian banks will defer loan repayments for six months for small businesses who need assistance because of the impacts of COVID-19.
Ms Bligh said the assistance package will apply to more than $100 bn of existing small business loans and depending on customer take up, "could put as much as $8 billion back into the pockets of small businesses as they battle through these difficult times."
Banks have developed this Small Business Relief Package following discussions with APRA and ASIC to provide the appropriate regulatory treatment.
"The package is subject to authorisation by the ACCC," she said.
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg told Sky News the government is working on a second stimulus package, "which is about cushioning the blow for so many of those Australians who may lose their job."
"Our focus is on targeted measures using the existing tax and transfer system and making it as simple and as easy as possible for Australians to get that support," the treasurer said.
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IO loans set to be offered in big banks' response to coronavirus crisis

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EXPERT OBSERVER
As part of an ongoing effort to minimize the impact on the economy from coronavirus related shutdowns the RBA announced that it will do the following today:
1. Cut the cash rate by another 0.25% to a new record low of 0.25%. This is likely to be the floor based on past RBA comments that point to little benefit in going to zero or negative. The RBA also committed not to raise the cash rate until progress is made towards full employment and it is confident that inflation will sustainably meet the 2-3% target.
- This is aimed at further lowering short term borrowing costs in the economy and signalling to borrowers and lenders that rates will stay down for a long time.
2. Set a target of 0.25% for 3 year bond yields to be achieved through the RBA buying Government bonds. This is quantitative easing in that it will involve the use of printed money to buy bonds. Unlike in the US and Europe a target has not been set as to the amount of bonds to be purchased.
- This is aimed mainly at lowering longer term borrowing costs in the economy, such as fixed mortgage rates. The increase in the supply of Australian dollars will also put more downwards pressure on the $A. While the three year rate influences much funding in the economy, it would have made sense to also target the 10 year bond yield which has shot up to 1.5% as it plays a big role in Federal Government borrowing which will rise sharply in the months ahead.
3. Cheap funding for banks for three years at 0.25% with an initial amount of $90bn. Banks can obtain an initial amount of up to 3% of their outstanding loans and then additional amounts if they increase business lending particularly to small and medium sized businesses.
- This is aimed at making sure banks have plenty of funding in the difficult times at present, lowering the cost of funding for banks so they in turn can lower their lending rates and encouraging lending to businesses.
4. Finally bank settlement accounts at the RBA will receive an interest rate of 0.1%, up from zero.
- This is aimed at reducing the cost to banks of holding increased settlement balances at the RBA.
The extraordinary announcements from the RBA today are in response to the turbulence now being seen in financial markets as a result of the shutdown to parts of the global and Australian economies on the back of the coronavirus pandemic. In addition APRA has announced an easing in banks' capital rules. They will combine with further Government measures to be announced in the days ahead to support businesses, households and the economy.
They won't stop the virus, the hit to the economy from the shutdowns and the associated recession. But they should help minimise the fall out in terms of jobs, incomes and businesses such that we can recover more quickly once the virus comes under control.
Its likely though that more action will be needed and until we get clear evidence that the virus is coming under control its too early to say that share markets and the Australian dollar have bottomed.
SHANE OLIVER is the Head of Investment Strategy and Chief Economist at AMP Capital
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